A couple of weeks ago, Apple released some new firmware for their G4, iMac Slot-Load, Powerbook G3 FireWire and iBook computers. One problem with this firmware was that it disabled non-standard SDRAM (SDRAM that didn't meet Apples CL3 timing specs) from working properly in some users machines. Ars-Technica did a very good roundup on the initial firmware news. Most news organizations at the time thought that Apple would release a new version of their firmware that would re-enable the disabled SDRAM.

Yesterday, Apple told MacCentral that it is up to users and resellers to fix memory-related problems caused by their new firmware updates. Today, MacCentral posted more details on the issue including a link to software called DIMMCheck that you can use to check your SDRAM DIMMs before doing any firmware updates.

With their newest firmware, Apple disabled some types of non-standard SDRAM that don't meet their timing specifications, assumably to cut down on support issues.

ROB'S OPINION
When I first saw word of this, I thought that Apple had stepped over the line, but everything I read suggested that they would step back. Now, it looks like they are holding firm, and I've got to say that this is an arrogant move by Apple.

I understand that support calls cost money, and non-standard DIMMs can cause problems, but they do not always cause problems, and some users with otherwise perfectly running configurations are being punished for keeping up to date on their firmware.

How would I have handled it? If I were Apple, I would have released the DIMMCheck software first through my support organizations and told users that they were required to run it before doing the firmware upgrades. That way, if there were problems, users could deal with them without being left with a non-functional or semi-functional system. Then, Apple could have drawn a hard line about memory upgrades. There was just too little warning.

Like some other problems we've highlighted recently, this only affects some users, but if you are affected, you are hurting. I've told people from time to time that US$40 for a 256MB SDRAM DIMM will not guarantee quality. If you got a great deal on SDRAM recently and own a Mac, take care!